The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects

Richard Kurin

The Smithsonian Institution has over 137 million items housed in its museums' collections, so how do you choose 101 objects that best tell the story of America? That was the challenging job of Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary of Art, History, and Culture, who handpicked these objects for this fascinating book. Abraham Lincoln’s hat, Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Sitting Bull’s drawing ledger, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Neil Armstrong’s space suit, and Louis Armstrong’s trumpet are just a few included here.